Speaking at an anti-fraud event in Milwaukee, Vance said the probe aims to protect American workers by ensuring that jobs go to U.S. citizens rather than \u201cforeign fraudsters.\u201d Labor Department officials have already issued dozens of subpoenas as part of the investigation.<\/p>\n
Inspector General Anthony D\u2019Esposito told the\u00a0New York Post<\/em>\u00a0that the schemes under scrutiny have cost the U.S. medical industry hundreds of millions of dollars and affected multiple employment sectors. Investigators believe some operations may involve forced-labor networks and human trafficking organizations.<\/p>\n \u201cLabor\u2019s Office of Inspector General has uncovered widespread schemes in which employers and labor brokers submitted fraudulent applications, exploited foreign workers through coercive wage-kickback arrangements, and undercut American workers by flooding the market with below-wage labor,\u201d D\u2019Esposito said.<\/p>\n Department of Homeland Security assessments indicate that as many as 21 percent of H-1B visa petitions may be fraudulent. The investigation will also examine potential abuses involving employment-based green cards, including cases in which foreign workers allegedly displaced American employees or obtained immigration benefits through deception.<\/p>\n D\u2019Esposito linked the alleged fraud to broader criminal activity, stating, \u201cThis is another example where fraud is fueling violent crime. This visa fraud is tied to cartels, is tied to transnational gangs.\u201d He warned that the issue extends beyond factories to medical facilities and doctors\u2019 offices, potentially putting patients at risk.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n At the Milwaukee event, Vance emphasized what he described as the original intent of the H-1B program: attracting exceptional talent in technology, science, and medicine.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat\u2019s happening way too much is that big corporations and fraudsters overseas are using this program to undercut the wages of American workers,\u201d he said. \u201cWhat we\u2019re doing in the Trump administration, we\u2019re saying, \u2018No more.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n The H-1B visa program allows U.S. employers to hire foreign workers for specialty occupations requiring specialized knowledge and at least a bachelor\u2019s degree. The PERM labor certification process serves as the initial step for many foreign workers seeking employment-based green cards.<\/p>\n According to Pew Research Center data, approximately 73 percent of H-1B recipients come from India. Many hold advanced degrees, with the largest concentration working in computer-related fields. Major technology companies, including Amazon, Google, Meta, Microsoft, and Apple, are among the program\u2019s largest users. Foreign workers are also employed in healthcare, manufacturing, and higher education.<\/p>\n California, Texas, New York, Illinois, and Washington receive the largest share of H-1B approvals. Petitions peaked at 442,425 in 2022 during the Biden administration.<\/p>\n The Trump administration says the investigation underscores its commitment to restoring integrity to the immigration system, combating fraud, and prioritizing American workers.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/morningpost.news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/grok-image-e13514de-39ca-438a-a7fb-0e8ad4dd7d2d-300x200.jpg\")
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